It used to be standard to giveantibioticsto people with late-stagedementiabecause the disease makes infectionssuch aspneumoniamore common.
Now, however, some doctors may recommend against antibiotics, believing the risks outweigh the benefits.
The strongest antibiotics, which are often needed by people with dementia who haveinfections, are givenintravenously.
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This can be uncomfortable or even painful.
Middle or later-stage dementia leads to confusion.
When someone doesn’t understand why they have an IV, they often venture to pull it out.
Requirements of IV Antibiotics
IV antibiotics generally require hospitalization and frequent blood tests.
But somenursing homes, including sub-acute rehab and long-term care facilities, can provide them.
If a person receives regular nurse visits, they might be able to have IV antibiotics at home.
A study of nursing home residents with advanced dementia found that antibiotics improved survival but decreased comfort.
However, for those with a goal of prolonging life, antibiotics should be aggressively administered.
But do antibiotics really help stave off infections like pneumonia?
According to multiple studies, their success rate in late-stage dementia is questionable.
These researchers expressed concern that antibiotics in late-stage dementia merely prolong thedying processrather than effectively treating the infection.
Keep in mind that oral and injected antibiotics are weaker than IV drugs and not as effective against pneumonia.
These wishes can be specified in a living will.
it’s possible for you to also identify someone to serve as your power of attorney for healthcare decisions.
These documents can offer protection for you if you’re ever unable to make or communicate your decisions.
Summary
Antibiotics are often given to people with late-stage dementia to treat or prevent infections like pneumonia.
Research suggests IV antibiotics may be appropriate for someone with the goal of prolonging life.
If someone is more concerned with comfort care, though, they may not be a good choice.
Some studies suggest antibiotics in late-stage dementia only extend life by a few days.
you’re able to request oral or injectable antibiotics if you want to avoid an IV.
However, they may not be as effective.
If you’re unsure whether to have IV antibiotics administered, talk to your loved one’s healthcare team.
They can help you gather the information you’re gonna wanna make a decision.
2019 Mar 12;80(2):18m12430.
2012;13(2):156-161. doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2010.07.001
